Lists and Procrastination: 5 Things I’m Currently Obsessed With

In my attempt to turn this into a monthly feature here at Early Nerd Special, it feels like it’s time for another edition of Things I’m Currently Obsessed With. Previous posts can be found here, here, and here.

1. The YA CONTROVERSY

I’m talking about the really interesting discussion that’s been happening since the WSJ published that article about YA books being too dark. I’m not linking to the article because there’s really no need for me to do so at this point. Every time I read the article, I get mad, which doesn’t feel good. What does feel good is the response that writers, readers, and bloggers have had since it blew up on the internet. If you haven’t been following the discussion, I encourage to you search for the Twitter hashtag #YASaves and read through some of those tweets. There are also a lot of really great response pieces to check out:

A group of surgical interns at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital attempt to navigate their hectic lives. Sleeping with bosses, personal dramas, and general shenanigans ensue. Although technically a medical drama, there are comedic and romantic elements that often overshadow the drama.

This one is really embarrassing for me simply because I know I should hate the show. It’s manipulative, the characters are ridiculous, the premise itself is preposterous, and yet I can’t stop watching it. Granted, I’m only in the second season (which is largely considered the show’s heyday), and I know it’s going to get much, much worse, but for the time being, I’m really enjoying watching an episode or two before bed.

3. Kingdom Hearts

Released in 2002, Kingdom Hearts was a game that used a mixture of original characters as well as characters from Disney movies and the Final Fantasy game franchise. The RPG has the player embarking on an epic quest that sends him to various worlds (representing many of the worlds found in the Disneyverse). Donald Duck and Goofy are the co-pilots, and the game is notable for its voice work cast, which included many of the voice actors from the Disney movies but also included actors like Haley Joel Osment, David Gallagher, Hayden Panetierre, and David Boreanaz.

I pulled out my PS2 about a week ago and have been playing Kingdom Hearts ever since. I can’t explain it, you guys. Something about the mindlessness of playing a role-playing game is really relaxing these days. I could blame the heat, but I don’t think that’s what it is. It’s just kind of fun.

4. The Weeknd – “House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls”

Oh my god, you guys. Have you heard The Weeknd? He’s been blowing up on music blogs for a while now, but I’m not going to lie, I just discovered him a few weeks ago. The Weeknd is a Toronto-based R&B singer named Abel Tesfaye, and he released a nine-track album (called House of Balloons) in late March this year. Drake is credited with initially garneringThe Weeknd quite a bit of attention (he tweeted about him and linked to his website), but to be honest, Tesfaye’s talent speaks for itself. I find the entire album to be completely engrossing (that almost never happens for me), and there’s something haunting about his voice. If you haven’t done so already, check him out.

5. The TV Tropes Website

TV Tropes is something that I’ve known about for a while, and every once in a while, I find myself killing a lot of time there, looking up entries for specific shows, movies, and books, but also just sort of doing a wiki walk and finding out all sorts of interesting things. If you’ve never been to the site, I highly recommend it. Be prepared for it to suck a good chunk of your time, though. It’s extensive, and it’s fascinating. Not only is it a pop culture junkie’s dreamland, it’s also really informative. Some of my favorite entries include: Twitter, Badass Decay, Blessed with Suck, and Buffy Speak.

Contact Me:

I am currently accepting books for review. Please read my review policy on my About page for more information. If you are an author or a publisher, please email me at:
clementinebojangles [at] gmail [dot] com.